Coker's Second-Half Comeback Falls Short Against Queens

HARTSVILLE, S.C – The Coker men's lacrosse team suffered an 11-10 loss to the Queens University of Charlotte Royals on Wednesday (Mar. 5) in South Atlantic Conference lacrosse action.

John Bretton led the way offensively for the Cobras with three goals on six shots. Mike Martiello registered a team-high five points on one goal and four assists, while Ryan Maurer and Timothy Smith added a goal and assist apiece. Rounding out the scoring for the Navy and Yellow was Shane Wilson with two goals and Andy Campos and Mike Maresca with a goal each. Tim Ryan was stellar once again in goal for Coker, tallying 17 saves on the 28 shots he faced.

The first period of the game would prove to be a shootout as the Cobras and Royals put up a combined nine goals in the period. Coker jumped out to an early 1-0 lead following a Wilson goal at the 12:32 mark. Queens would answer with two straight goals of their own to take the lead, but Wilson would put home his second goal of the period moments later to knot the score at 2-all. The Royals would use a 3-1 run to close the period and take a 6-3 lead into the second period.

The slugfest would continue in the second as the teams put up another seven combined goals. The Royals managed to score three times in the period, but Bretton would put on a show, scoring all three of his goals in the period for a hat-trick. Maresca's goal with 18-seconds left in the half would send the Navy and Yellow into the break down two, 9-7.

The second half was all Coker as the defensive intensity picked up, shutting down any offensive opportunities by the Royals. The Cobras only allowed two goals in the half and managed to hold Queens scoreless the first 16 minutes of the half. Coker started the fourth period down one, following a Martiello goal in third period. The Coker defense would give up two early fourth period goals to give the Royals an 11-8 lead, but two goals halfway through the period by the Navy and Yellow would cut the lead to one, 11-10.

The game would come down to the wire as Queens squandered its chance at putting the game out of reach. Coker's stifling defense would force a bad shot by Queens and Ryan would make the save to give the home team possession. Following a Cobras' timeout with 10-seconds left, Shane Wilson would get a great look from right outside the crease but would have the shot barely miss the net and give the Royals the 11-10 victory.

The Cobras will be back in action this Saturday (Mar. 8) when they travel to Ohio Valley University for a non-conference matchup. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.

McDonald's Players of the Game – Tim Ryan and Mike Martiello

Release written by Coker sports information graduate assistant Sharod Williams.